NHL negotiations enter crucial month

'"I'm personally optimistic because both sides realize that there has to be hockey next year," said unrestricted free agent defenseman James Patrick, who will turn 42 in two weeks and would like another chance to play for the Buffalo Sabres. "I just think there's going to be a deal, for sure. . . . Whatever the little game of chess that's going on, both sides realize where the other one is coming from."'